Question
For the last couple of years my variegated dogwood has looked bad - leaves are crinkled with holes and curling.  Today I found a white liquid substance on the stems of many of the branches while I was trimming them.  Is this natural or does it represent some sort of disease?

Answer
Dennis,

From the description I would say that the dogwood has been attacked by spittle bug. Try hosing off the plant and seeing if there is a small insect inside the white substance. Treat with a general insecticide for best control.

I can think of no other insect or disease that could be attacking the dogwoods.

Good luck,
Ed Gulliksen